Flood

Safety Guide

Flood safety is something that everyone should prepare for since flooding, whether that be a massive flash flood affecting an entire city or a small one just affecting your basement, can happen to anyone. Below is a comprehensive flooding safety guide to help you navigate every stage of a flood as well as other important flood safety tips.

What to Do

Before a Flood Occurs

This is probably the most important stage in the flood safety process. Putting in the time to prepare before a flood arrives at your doorstep can have a huge impact on your family’s safety.

Here are some safety precautions for floods to do before flooding occurs…

Flood Watch vs Flood Warning

Flood Watch

Flood Watch means that conditions are present that could lead to flood so stay aware. If there is a flood watch in your area, turn on the TV to the local news to stay on top of the situation and start preparing your home for flooding just in case the situation escalates.

Flood Warning

Flood Warning means flood is imminent or happening. If this is the classification in your area, you need to get to higher ground immediately. That may mean evacuating your home if you live in a bad area for flooding like near a river or lake.

Cost of Flooding Damage

Flooding damage can be extremely costly as floods can have a far reaching effect and ruin many items and systems in your home all at once. It could be water in your basement or parts of your home could be demolished. For a 1,000 square foot home, a 6 inch flood can cost up to $20,000. The price tag can double if the flooding starts to reach several feet. The larger the home and the higher the flooding, prices will exponentially go up.

Here is a list of the potential damage that flooding can do around your home to show exactly what could go into those high price tags…

Electrical repairs

Plumbing repairs

Base trim repair or replacement

Fixing doors and windows

Replacing finished wood floors

Replacing carpets

Replacing drywall

Wall insulation replacement

Fixing or replacing any low cabinets

Fixing or replacing broken appliances

Cleaning Fees

HVAC repairs

Repair or replacement of furniture located in the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, living room, and/or basement.

10 US States With the Highest Flooding Risk

Over the next century, it has been predicted that sea level could rise 1 meter or more. In a research report released by the team at Climate Central, it noted which ten US states will be the most vulnerable to flooding due to these environmental changes. The report also estimated that more than 22.9 million people live within 6 meters of high risk tide levels.

Here are the states that the report lists as having the highest flood threat levels…

Florida

Louisiana

California

New York

New Jersey

Virginia

South Carolina

North Carolina

Massachusetts

Georgia

Flood Vulnerability ChanGe by State

This map shows the percentage of change that areas around the United States will experience in terms of flood risk due to global warming. It shows that some areas that are already vulnerable to flooding will maintain their level of vulnerability, while others that previously did not have significant worries in the past will see a huge jump in risk.

percent change

0-20

20-40

40-60

60-80

80-100

the average amount of money that states around the US pay in flood damage each year…

Average Per Year Spent on Flood Damage by State (millions)

$197.8-$682.3

$85.73-$156.8

$27.3-$65.06

$0.47-$18.38

Types of Flooding

There are many types of flooding that can occur. Certain areas are more vulnerable to different types based on the surrounding topography.

Here is a little information on each to help determine whichone you are most at risk for…

Overbank Flooding

This type of flooding occurs near a river. The water in the river will become too high and eventually overflow into the land around it. This type of flooding is a slow process and allows nearby residents some time to prepare and evacuate. It can take many days to return to normal if the land around it is flat. Steeper terrain helps any water clear out faster.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods grow and spread much quicker than overbank floods. If one is ever heading in your direction, you will need to act fast. These types of floods consist of fast-moving water that can be extremely dangerous. The water is strong enough to move heavy structures at a fast speed, creating even more damage and danger.

Ice Jam Flooding

In cold climates, water can freeze and create large blocks of ice in rivers and streams. These blocks of ice can collide and form a dam in the water, causing significant backup and flooding. It gets worse when those blocks of ice do eventually break. Fast-moving water can rush out mimicking characteristics of a flash flood.

Coastal Flooding

This type of flooding occurs along the ocean coasts and is typically caused by other natural disasters like a hurricane or a tsunami. These strong storms bring huge water masses and powerful winds that move the water great distances at a rapid speed.

Dam Breaks

Flooding can also occur due to human error. Poorly engineered dams that break can create a flash flood and anything in its path is in serious trouble.

How Dangerous Flood Waters Really Can Be

Here are some quick facts about why it is so important to avoid even the smallest amount of flood water…

Flood water that moves at 10 mph applies the same amount of pressure as winds that are blowing at 270 mph.

Flood water can contaminate drinking water and spread disease.

2 feet of water can lift your car and move it completely out of your control.

6 inches of flood water can knock you off of your feet.

6 inches of flood water can also do tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage in your home.

Flood water that is moving at a speed of 9 feet per second can move rocks and debris weighing up to one hundred pounds. This is a common speed for flash flood waters.

2 feet

6 inches

What to Do

if Your Car is Caught in a Flood

First and foremost, never attempt to cross flooded roads or streams. If you do end up in the very unfortunate and dangerous situation of being in your car when flood waters rise around you, here are some car safety tips during a flood:

Stay calm.

Turn on your hazard lights and headlights.

Remove any extra clothing layers like jackets, because these could just get caught on things and weigh you down.

You will need to exit the vehicle as soon as possible. If you cannot do this by opening the car door because of the pressure from the surrounding water, then roll down the window and exit that way.

If your window will not roll down due to electrical problems, you will need to break the window. There are window breaking tools that you can buy and keep in your glove compartment for this very issue (look for tools that also include a seatbelt cutter). Be careful and protect yourself as glass could fly at you if you are forced to go this route.

If your doors will not open and you cannot roll down or break any windows, your next option is to crack open a car door as far as you can to let water in. Once the water has filled the car high enough to reach equal pressure on the inside and outside of the car, you will be able to open the car door.

Letting water rise inside of your car sounds like the opposite of what you should be doing, but it is the only way to open the doors if they are submerged and could actually save your life.

When you are out of the vehicle, swim feet first to higher ground. It is better to head into objects with your feet so that you can push off of them rather than hitting them with your body or head where more serious damage can be done.

When floating outside of your vehicle, be sure to go over any debris and never under.

If no higher ground is in sight, look for trees or buildings to position yourself on and wait for rescue workers.

Do not attempt to retrieve your car yourself. Allow emergency officials to retrieve your car when it is safe.

Floods can come about very quickly and powerfully, leaving a lot of damage and destruction in their wake.
Take the necessary steps listed in our flood safety guide to prepare for this type of disaster so your family and your home have the best chance of survival.